Indian Women's Football team crush Maldives 14-0 in FIFA Friendly

The Indian women's football team has ended the year with a statement victory of 14-0 over Maldives in a FIFA international friendly. The Blue Tigresses marked a statement win at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Full-time! 🔚
Goals galore to end 2024 💪🇮🇳💙 #INDMDV #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/jxPNkMxFab

Pyari Xaxa and debutant Lynda Kom Serto each finished with hat-tricks, scoring three and four goals respectively. Neha and Kajol Dsouza contributed two goals each, while Sangita Basfore, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, and Rimpa Haldar each accounted for one goal.

India’s newly-appointed Swedish coach, Joakim Alexandersson has marked a strong start with this victory and he will look forward to a second friendly against the same opponent at the same venue on January 2, 2025.

Dominating performance from the Blue Tigresses

Alexandersson previously announced 14 new names who got included in the 23-member squad for the friendly, marking a significant transition for the women's team.

However, eight of those players received some minutes against Maldives along with familiar names such as Grace Dangmei, Sangita Basfore, Sanju Yadav, Pyari Xaxa, and Ranjana Chanu.

8-0 lead at the break

The Blue Tigresses started the riot only seven minutes into the game as Pyari Xaxa volleyed the ball in following Lynda Kom's cross to open the books. In the very next minute, Xaxa again scored after Maldives goalkeeper Aminath Leeza failed to grip a long-ranger strike from Sangita Basfore.

However, Xaxa complimented Lynda back in the 12th minute with a swift cross which Lynda converted to score her first senior international goal. Pyari Xaxa completed her hat-trick from a corner kick in the 15th minute. 

Only a minute later, another debutant Neha also scored her first senior international goal. In the 21st minute, Neha delivered a sublime cross for Lynda, who scored to register a brace.  

Lynda Kom Serto made her debut memorable in the best possible way as the 19-year-old striker scored her third in the 29th minute. The ruthless riot from the Tigresses came to a halt for half-time, but Neha scored her second goal right before the half-time whistle to help India head into the break with an 8-0 lead. 

Continuing the riot

The Indian team started the second half in the same manner as Sangita Basfore scored within six minutes. Right after scoring, Sangita provided an assist for Lynda in the 52nd minute who scored her fourth goal and took India to a 10-0 lead. 

Defender Ranjana Chanu joined the party after converting a right-footed strike in the 54th minute. Kajol Dsouza, who made her debut replacing Lynda in the 56th minute, showcased her brilliance with two exquisite goals in the 59th and the 66th minute.

Rimpa Halder, another substitute, who replaced Pyari in the 56th minute also entered the scoresheet by scoring in the 62nd minute. 

However, after having a 14-0 lead with almost twenty minutes left to play, the Indian team ceased their scoring spree and opted to control possession while experimenting with different midfield play patterns.

Full-time score

India -14 (Pyari 7’, 18, 15’, Lynda 12’, 21’, 29’, 52’, Neha 16’, 45’, Kajol 59’, 66’, Sangita 51’, Ranjana Chanu 54’, Rimpa 62’)
Maldives - 0